Back in Seattle. The Reinsertion Into My American Life
Feb 6th, 2008 by craigdos
Well, it took a while, but Superbowl Sunday finally kicked me back into life here in Seattle. It’s been 10 days since I returned, but it has truly been the hardest reverse-culture shock I’ve had in all my travels. I haven’t figured out why, because I’ve definitely been abroad for much longer time periods. It was my longest trip to India so far, and this time I feel like I was more delved into life outside my family.
Coming home involved a long, overdrawn 33-hour journey, which included 9 hours in the New York airport thanks to looking at my wristwatch (still on India time) and missing my connection. I came home to the comforts of my house, my room and my bed, all of which were welcome. Mostly I just wanted to stop living out of a bag. However, my social life here, felt completely out of place. Until Sunday, I felt like I was watching myself interact with others in 3rd person. India always has a grounding effect on me, and this trip was no different.
The world here initially looked like it was made of plastic. So shiny, and machine created. In India, it seems like you can see the connection between your environment and how it was created by humans. Whether you’re buying food at a market, or looking at street signs that were written in paint. It’s difficult to explain, but I really felt so much more in touch with humanity while there. In all it’s glory and disgust. Whether you’re being pushed by 45 sweaty Indian men in a Bombay train, or just walking past the hordes of people on the street, I was routinely, and literally, in touch with humans during my day to day existence.
As an American (from the land of wide open spaces), it’s suffocating, and frustrating at first. But after a few months, it feels more comfortable, and returning to the US felt like entering a place devoid of human connection. My morning runs here were peaceful, but strangely quiet. I can go the whole day here, and see less than 50 people easily. I saw more than that by 11am while in India; like it or not.
No matter what the differences, I cannot deny that this country, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, is my home. I am happy to be with my friends again who have made me feel great, because I know I was missed.
I know exactly how you feel. When I made a trip back home and got back here, I felt uprooted (for want of a better word.) And worse yet, was the cold and the snow and the cooking (that you do yourself) and the laundry (that you lug to a laundromat.) But then school started, and weeks went by, and now I’m feeling better about where I am. Oh and the Super Bowl helped - sooo glad about the Yankee win!
Dear Mr Dos Santos,
I am the mother of Victor Plata (USA Triathlon Team Athens 2004). I am currently living in China. My goal was to learn about China before watching Victor march in the opening ceremony in Beijing. I was reading your blog and noted your article on the caste system. I am interested in what you have learned in your travels about this strange tendency toward separation between the upper class and the rest of the people.
With the emergence of global economics based on Sovereign Funds, I am seeing many instances of this phenomenon. Dubai is buying better horses and British football clubs. I am reminded of the Roman decision to buy sand for the arena of the Circus Maximus rather than corn to feed its people.
Your more recent posting of your feelings upon your return to the US is also telling. The sense of disconnection from relationship with other people, with the earth or veggies in the marketplace…
I have been doing research on what I am calling: Riparian Corridors for the rich. These are global pathways that allow the super rich to avoid any interaction with the rest of the humans on the planet. What have you noted in this regard?
I don’t know if you actually read these comments but I am interested in a conversation of you are. I will be here in Nantong, China, until August of 2008. Hope to hear from you. Caitlin Addison-Howard
Beautifully put-your description of India. I also feel so in touch with everything when I am in India. It seems as though you realize how lucky you are, but the people are always smiling…
I really enjoy reading your blog=)